Principles of Optics

COURSE OUTLINE

This course discusses several important principles of optical engineering that can be
applied to daily optical engineering practices. Principles will be explained from the
practical prospective and examples of how to apply these principles will be given,
such as interpreting the data sheets of manufactures. There will be experimental
demonstration to help visualize how these principles works. No prior photonic
background is required. This 8 hour course is designed for engineers or technical
personnel who want to understand optical principles with a practical approach. Topics
intended to be covered in this class include:

• Coherence: different between conventional light sources and laser
• Interference and interferometer
• Optical reflection, refraction, transmission and absorption of materials
• Refractive index, material birefringence and optical polarization
• Optical spectral range: x-ray, ultraviolet, visible, infrared and terahertz
• Optical scattering
• Imaging systems and optical aberration
• Optical waveguides and fibers

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Tim Lei is an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the
University of Colorado Denver. He is an expert in ultrafast lasers and nonlinear optical
spectroscopic techniques. He is currently developing some optical diagnostic
equipment to find cancers without biopsies. In the past, he has successfully traced
molecular motions on metal surfaces with fast optical pulses and has studied potential
inorganic molecules that can be used to generate hydrogen directly from sunlight with
optical techniques. He teaches graduate level optics classes, such as optical
engineering and bio-optics, regularly in UC-Denver.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

• Class duration: 8 hours
• Cost includes workbook, a light lunch and snacks
• Cost does not include parking
• Class size is limited to 20 students to make sure there is a good learning experience. A waiting list will be available if the class is full.
• Class will be cancelled if there is not at least 6 registrations at least one week in advance.
• Students for a class cancelled by CPIA will be given a complete refund and first chance to register for the next time the class is held.
• Cancellation for any reason by the registrant is allowed up until the registration close time, however the registrant will be charged a $50 processing fee.
• THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS FOR ANY REASON AFTER REGISTRATION CLOSE DATE.
• Registrations are transferrable to another person within the same company.